Bangladesh national cricketer Nayeem Hasan was beaten and harassed by individuals identifying themselves as Detective Branch (DB) police officers in Chattogram on Friday night, sparking widespread condemnation from the cricketing community and a sharp official response from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Nayeem , a 26-year-old off-spinner and regular member of the Bangladesh Test side, had returned to his home city after playing the final round of the Dhaka Premier League. His flight was delayed, and he arrived at Chattogram airport at around 10:20pm. While travelling home by auto-rickshaw, he was stopped by police in the Lalkhan Bazar area. Officers claiming to be DB police took the driver’s documents before pulling Nayeem from the vehicle, shoving him by the throat and attempting to force him into a police car. After identifying himself as a national cricketer and presenting his identity card, he was struck with a baton. A plainclothes individual accompanying the officers also beat him with a pipe. Despite around 100 to 200 bystanders confirming his identity, the assault continued. “They were saying: you are a criminal, keep quiet, don’t say a word,” Nayeem told reporters. He was later taken to a police station where, he said, he was harassed further in the officer-in-charge’s room.
The BCB issued a strong statement on Saturday, calling the treatment “unacceptable and inappropriate” and demanding a thorough and impartial investigation. “BCB deeply expresses its concern regarding the harassment and mistreatment of Bangladesh national team cricketer Nayeem Hasan by some members of law enforcement agencies in Chattogram on Friday evening,” the board said. “The board strongly condemns this unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour towards him and considers the matter with utmost seriousness. Such treatment of a national sportsperson is deeply regrettable and immediate action is required.” The BCB added that it expected “a thorough and impartial investigation” and called on the relevant authorities to take appropriate action against those responsible.
BCB president Tamim Iqbal said he had been contacted by Nayeem on the night of the incident and acted immediately. “What happened to Nayeem Hasan last night is in no way acceptable. After Nayeem called me at night, I and other board directors tried to do everything necessary without delay. We are speaking to all relevant parties and remain in close contact with Nayeem and his family. We are always by Naeem’s side and the side of all cricketers.”
The Bangladesh Cricketers’ Welfare Association (CWAB) also condemned the assault and called on Chattogram Metropolitan Police to take strict action against all officers involved. CWAB president Mithun confirmed he visited the BCB offices and was assured the case had been registered. “Those involved will not be spared,” he said, adding that the Home Minister had personally called during his visit and given firm assurances the matter would be pursued. “He also assured us that he will not let this matter go under any circumstances and that he is looking into it strictly.”
Bangladesh T20 captain Liton Kumar Das wrote on social media: “Keep your head high, Nayeem. You are an incredible person.” He also called for a proper investigation and swift justice. ODI captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz said: “Such treatment of a national player is an attack on the dignity of our sporting community. I demand a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible without delay.”
Mushfiqur Rahim stated: “What happened to Nayeem is completely unacceptable. I want proper justice for this incident. What has happened has pained and shamed me. As a citizen, as a Bangladeshi, I strongly protest this. Nayeem, we are with you.”
Mominul Haque said: “What happened to Nayeem yesterday is undesirable in every way. There is no justification for treating a person like this. We hope the government will ensure proper justice. Nayeem, we are with you. What happened to you cannot be accepted. We are pained, saddened and ashamed.”
Shoriful Islam called for accountability, saying: “A cricketer represents the nation, but before that he is a citizen whose honour, safety and dignity must be ensured. I call for a fair, impartial and swift investigation and appropriate legal action against those responsible.”
Soumya Sarkar said: “This is undoubtedly sad for all our players. We hope a proper investigation takes place and the right decision is made to ensure this never happens again.”
Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the most pointed in his criticism: “In our country, human beings seem to be the least valued and most neglected. This incident raises serious questions about the professionalism of our police.”
Nayeem holds the record for the youngest Bangladesh bowler to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut. He has taken 48 wickets in 14 Tests, claiming four five-wicket innings hauls. He is due to travel with the Bangladesh Test squad to Zimbabwe shortly.
